Mar
23
2007

Out of My Depth

An article by Karen

I’m way out of my depth with this new short story. I feel like I’m standing in the middle of a football field and everyone is bombarding with … well, anything they can get their hands on … it’s painful.

Writing about aliens on another planet meant I, the author, had to have some idea what these aliens were like. Do they eat, sleep and drink? How do they reproduce? What is their purpose in life? Why did they do whatever it was I was going to get them doing in the story?

Hmm, why indeed. I sat on my bed this morning, paper spread out around me, and realised I was in too deep and had no idea what I was doing.

Help!

Poor Gary, he must hate it when this happens to me. I must have sounded like I was three years old child. “Gary, what am I going to do?”

I expected him to shrug his shoulders and say I’m the writer and I should have other ideas to run with. If he had said that he might have got a slap on the head. As I’m against violence in the real world (it’s not that bad in stories, however) I’m glad he didn’t say that. Instead, he turned to me and said, “How’s this for an idea…”

Ten minutes later he had outlined a complete story. It’s brilliant. He’s brilliant. I hope I can write it brilliantly.

I already feel as if I’m more within my comfort zone. I still have to stretch myself and be convincing, and there are still aliens, but I will have a bit more control with this plot. *sigh of relief*

Strangely, this story feels like it wants to be written in first person, but I’ll see how that pans out when I start writing – which I still intend to do today. Well, tonight actually. Right now, I have to get ready to go out, but before I do that I just want to congratulate Sherry for receiving an invitation too.

About the Author: Karen

Karen is a writer of fantasy novels and short stories for children, young adults and adults. She also loves to read fantasy, thrillers and the occasional romance. When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys spending time on the PS3 or catching some fresh air whilst walking the dog.

4 Comments + Add Comment

Sherry 24 March 2007 at 10:23 am

Karen, I’m glad you’re feeling good about the story now–sometimes that outside input is just what we need. I’m not entirely confident about my story, but I am plugging away on the first draft. At least it will give me something to work with.
Marti 25 March 2007 at 8:37 am

I understand (all too well, I’m afraid – LOL) I’ve had the urge to write a story even though I didn’t know much about the subject. Choose whichever tense feels most comfortable and I’m sure you’ll do fine!

Best wishes to you!
Alan 25 March 2007 at 11:34 am

Now you’ll have to write the story then tag it as “Written by Karen Lee Field, based on an original story by Gary.”
Scribe 25 March 2007 at 5:10 pm

Swapping and changing ideas so quickly is a new experience for me. Hopefully, it’s a sign that I’ll be able to come up with something when the heat is on.